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Best Campgrounds in Vermont

935 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Vermont's state park system provides a range of cabin camping accommodations across numerous locations, with options available at Grand Isle, North Beach, Little River, Quechee, Smugglers Notch, and Woodford State Parks. Most cabins feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. State park cabins typically do not include electrical hookups, with the exception of North Beach Campground in Burlington which offers both electric and water hookups. Private campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area supplement the state offerings with additional cabin options, often providing more amenities than their public counterparts.

Cabin availability is highly seasonal, with most Vermont state parks operating from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations are required at all state park cabin sites and should be secured well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Facilities vary significantly between locations, though most provide access to showers and toilets. A visitor at Grand Isle noted, "We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional."

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty surrounding cabin sites as a highlight of their Vermont experience. State parks with cabin options are strategically positioned near recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots. Several visitors commented on the family-friendly atmosphere at Vermont state parks, with amenities like beaches and nature centers enhancing their stays. The cabin experience at Vermont state parks strikes a balance between rustic camping and comfort, with clean facilities and well-maintained grounds frequently mentioned in reviews. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Green Mountain National Forest offers dispersed camping alternatives, though these lack the structured amenities of developed campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites in Vermont (231)

    1. Grand Isle State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-4300

    $6 - $28 / night

    "Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."

    "Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."

    2. Little River State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"

    "We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."

    3. North Beach Campground

    28 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."

    "Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

    Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."

    4. Quechee State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    $38 / night

    "The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."

    "Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."

    5. Woodford State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."

    "The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"

    6. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"

    "They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"

    7. Jamaica State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."

    "This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."

    8. Camping On The Battenkill

    20 Reviews
    Arlington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 375-6663

    $45 - $57 / night

    "Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!

    Clean bath houses."

    "Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."

    9. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont.  On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking.  Well kept."

    "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."

    10. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."

    "The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."

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Recent Camping Photos in Vermont

437 Photos of 231 Vermont Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Vermont

935 Reviews of 231 Vermont Campgrounds

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2026

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Perfect last minute save for the fourth

    I originally was scheduled to be working the whole weekend but ended up getting the time off and rushed to somewhere I could camp on the fourth. I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth. I left on the 6th and it does seem that there’s a continuous flow of people in and out of the sites but for the most part it’s quiet and you can’t hear your neighbors. Law enforcement does drive by about once or twice a day which is nice. There is probably 4-5 usable sites. There are a few spots that someone could back a trailer into but I drive a hatchback so take that information as you will. It also looks to be that there are at least 2-3 sites that have become overgrown unclear if they are official sites or just large pull offs. Be wary in a small car that many of the entrances to the sites are either muddy and deeply rutted or a combination of steep and rutted out. Great place would definitely come back in the fall

  • A
    Jul. 6, 2026

    Little River State Park Campground

    Site 69

    We stayed at site 69 over the Fourth of July weekend this year. It was amazing - the site is so secluded, wooded, and had a lot of forest for the kids to explore.

    The bathrooms were clean and renovated, showers were token only but were clean and hot with good water pressure.

    The campground itself had so many activities planned (sunset kayak tour, fishing for beginners, and a Fourth of July parade were the ones we participated in) and the staff was great.

    Ice and wood on hand, decently priced.

    Sites were cleaned immediately after they were left by the precious campers.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2026

    Lone Pine Campsites

    Good location with clean bathrooms

    We stayed here for a week earlier this summer. This campground has a lot of seasonal sites, which I suspect is the majority of their business. The bathrooms were clean and campground staff was helpful when we had questions. The place came to life on the weekend but was pretty empty during the week. Our boys had fun riding their bikes around, playing basketball, and playing a round of mini golf. Our site had a fair amount of ants on it and staff did lay down some pest control when I asked them to, but it didn't completely kill them off. I went by a local Home Depot and got some ant spray and that did the trick for the rest of our stay. Overall our stay here was good and I'd come back again. It was a great launching off point for exploring Vermont.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2026

    Hogback Mtn Trailhead

    Hogback mountain parking lot

    Overall, it was fairly quiet, considering it was the Fourth of July there were somebody in the parking lot set off a couple of small fireworks, but it was a quick woo hoo. There are some run down trailers and some trash sadly. :( please pack it in pack it out! And Patronage to the distillery who provides this free parking. Lots of vehicles in/ out during the day. Great hike to fire tower. Lots of bugs (horseflies, knots and mosquitoes) no shade so be prepared if it’s hot. Hogback Mt gift shop and museum across street must stop. Trailhead for fire tower next to distillery.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2026

    Hidden Orchard

    Great place to camp near Stratton Mountain

    Adjacent to Green Mtn National Forest, situated in a beautiful meadow with dozens of apple trees, visited by wild animals of every kind, wild berries, giant fire pit & walking distance to swimming hole in river, beer shop, pizza shop, coffee shop, restaurant, cannabis dispensary, bike shop, kayak/paddle board shop, ski and snowboard shop, general store, fuel stop… but in sight of none of it! Beautiful sunsets and sunrises with wide open southern sky, stretching to both the east and west!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2026

    Smugglers Notch RV Village

    Great camping

    We had the best time here. The owner was so so helpful, got us set up for a sight last minute and even gave us a discount. Gave us information on cool things to do in the area also. Great people and a great place!

  • Clark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2026

    George D Aiken Wilde Road Dispersed Site

    Average dispersed campsite

    Just about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.

  • Tara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2026

    Grand Isle State Park Campground

    Perfectly Fine Campground

    The Lake Champlain Islands are amazing, and camping at Grand Isle State Park also makes them pretty affordable.  I camped here in October, so I chose to stay in one of the small camping cabins (Camels Hump). It had electricity, but no indoor plumbing, and was very cozy!

    This is the most popular campground in the Vermont State Park system, and I think it's because of the location, as aside from camping, there isn't a whole lot to do - no hiking trails to speak of and a small, rocky beach that isn't ideal for swimming. 

    The cabin was an affordable way to explore the Islands, and for that I would absolutely stay here again!

  • Tara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2026

    Big Deer State Park Campground

    Worst of the 4 Campgrounds in Groton State Forest

    This is basically a Stillwater overflow campground. It's small, so I thought it would be quiet and peaceful. We booked at the last minute, and it was Father's Day weekend, so we didn't have many options. 

    These sites are very close together with no privacy. We booked the Moose lean-to, which faced the campsite next to us, about 15 feet away. Our neighbors were nice, so it wasn't a huge deal, but it got kind of awkward, like we were sitting and watching them go about their business. 

    For reference, we've stayed in a lot of Vermont State Park lean-tos, and most face the woods, even if the neighbors are close. The water faucet closest to our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were dingy, old, and not very clean. 

    In case you are planning a trip to Groton State Forest, here are our top picks in order:

    1. Waterfront lean-tos at Ricker Pond State Park

    2. Waterfront lean-tos at Stillwater State Park

    3. Most sites at New Discover State Park (sites are pretty private)

    4. Big Deer (we won't stay here again)

    We absolutely love this part of Vermont, though. I hope you get to visit!

Guide to Vermont

Camping in Vermont offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore trails like the Dalley Loop Trail, which is rich in history and offers stunning views. One camper mentioned, “We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail... the park is beautifully maintained and there are many more trails to explore.”
  • Boating and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Little River State Park Campground, provide access to lakes and reservoirs. A reviewer noted, “The campground has a nice swimming beach and several nice hikes right from the campground.”
  • Mountain Biking: The Moosalamoo Campground is close to great biking trails. One visitor shared, “If you like mountain biking they have multiple trails... it was perfect for a beginner/intermediate biker!”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. One said, “This campground is great! Located down a gravel forest road but easy to navigate... the sites are nice and spread apart with a lot of privacy.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Lake Champagne RV Resort remarked, “Campground is very clean, friendly, peaceful and lots of room.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of Vermont's campgrounds. A review stated, “This has become a favorite spot! Extremely quiet campground. Clean pit toilets.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Moosalamoo Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor mentioned, “There were only 3 other campers... it was extremely peaceful and quiet!”
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during specific seasons. For example, Little River State Park Campground operates from May 19 to October 22.
  • Dispersed Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, check out places like Green Mountain National Forest FR207. A camper noted, “Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. A family reviewer at Silver Lake Campground said, “The lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off.”
  • Plan for Privacy: Choose sites that offer some separation from others. One camper shared, “The sites are fairly private without being built too close together.”
  • Pack Essentials: Since some campgrounds have limited facilities, make sure to bring everything you need. A parent mentioned, “It’s a pack in pack out campground... pack out wisely fitting your abilities.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds are not suitable for larger RVs. A reviewer at Moosalamoo Campground advised, “I would not recommend this place for larger RVs, it's pretty tight with larger vans.”
  • Book Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One RV traveler noted, “We went ‘first come, first serve’... had no problem getting a site.”
  • Know Your Vehicle: Ensure your RV can handle the terrain. A camper mentioned, “Make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some spots have dips in the ground.”

Vermont camping is all about enjoying nature, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Vermont state parks offer the best camping facilities?

Grand Isle State Park Campground on Lake Champlain stands out with excellent facilities. Despite being a larger campground, it's thoughtfully designed so it never feels crowded. The park provides well-maintained amenities and convenient access to Vermont's extensive bike paths. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground is another excellent option with clean facilities and access to mountain biking trails. For campers seeking variety, Emerald Lake State Park offers drive-in sites with water access, toilets, and big-rig-friendly accommodations. Smugglers Notch State Park provides diverse access options (drive-in, hike-in, walk-in) with reservable sites and basic amenities in one of Vermont's most scenic areas.

What are the best campgrounds in Vermont for family trips?

Vermont offers exceptional family camping experiences with something for everyone. Jamaica State Park Campground tops the list with its 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, providing privacy while offering numerous activities. The campground feels quiet despite having plenty for families to do. For water-loving families, Silver Lake Campground features clean swimming areas with a concrete dock perfect for kids to jump from, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours on the lake. Other family-friendly options include Mountain View Campground with riverside sites and amenities like pools and a well-stocked camp store, and North Beach Campground with its convenient access to Burlington's attractions via bike paths.

Is camping available year-round in southern Vermont?

Year-round camping in southern Vermont is limited, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Wilgus State Park Campground is notably the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day. While traditional camping might be cold in early May, their four camping cabins offer an early start to the season. Brattleboro North KOA provides extended season camping opportunities with clean facilities and proximity to downtown Brattleboro. Camping On The Battenkill near Arlington may offer longer seasons for hardy campers. Most southern Vermont campgrounds typically operate from May through October, with precise opening/closing dates varying by location and weather conditions. Winter camping is generally limited to backcountry sites for experienced winter campers.

Where can I find the best primitive tent camping sites in Vermont?

Moosalamoo Campground offers an authentic primitive camping experience with no amenities beyond natural features. What it lacks in facilities, it makes up for with cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming holes, and access to Silver Lake. Sites are accessible from the Silver Lake trailhead parking lot on Vermont Route 53. Another excellent primitive option is Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest, offering an affordable camping experience in Vermont's beautiful wilderness. For those seeking island primitive camping, Woods Island State Park provides remote tent sites accessible only by boat, offering a true wilderness experience with basic facilities and stunning lake views.

Keep Exploring

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